RESUMO Introdução A pandemia COVID-19 levou à necessidade da adoção de medidas imprescindíveis para detetar a infeção por SARS-CoV-2 e prevenir a sua propagação, causando ansiedade na população. Os profissionais de saúde têm sido considerados um dos grupos mais vulneráveis ao desenvolvimento de problemas de saúde mental, tal como o observado em epidemias passadas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ansiedade dos profissionais dos cuidados de saúde primários durante a pandemia COVID-19 e identificar os fatores influenciadores. Metodologia Este estudo transversal foi realizado através do preenchimento de um questionário anónimo online, difundido através das redes sociais e mailing lists institucionais, entre 29 de março e 5 de abril de 2020, aplicado a profissionais dos cuidados de saúde primários em Portugal continental. Os níveis de ansiedade foram obtidos através da utilização do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. Foram realizadas análises de regressão logística para identificar fatores associados com os níveis de ansiedade. Resultados O estudo incluiu 696 participantes, dos quais 61.9% eram médicos, 84.8% eram mulheres e 43.8% apresentavam níveis de ansiedade ligeiros a severos. Fatores como a história prévia de problemas de saúde mental (p<0.001), ter um familiar com fatores de risco para complicações da COVID-19 (p=0.012) e pertencer ao grupo dos assistentes técnicos (p=0.014) mostraram relacionar-se com níveis mais elevados de ansiedade. Por outro lado, a existência de um plano de contingência no local de trabalho foi associada a níveis de ansiedade mais baixos (p=0.048); no entanto, 6.9% considerou-o deficitário, principalmente devido a equipamentos inadequados de proteção para os profissionais (79.6%). Conclusão Este estudo destaca uma elevada prevalência de ansiedade entre os profissionais de saúde e reforça a necessidade de, em futuras pandemias, promover-se a adoção de medidas que visem proteger a saúde mental destes profissionais e, em última análise, salvaguardar a qualidade dos cuidados aos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic led to the adoption of paramount measures to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevent its spread, causing anxiety in the general population. Health professionals have been considered one of the most vulnerable groups for mental health problems, as observed in past epidemics. The present study aimed to assess the anxiety in primary healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the factors that influenced it. Methodology This cross-sectional study was performed via an online anonymous survey, disseminated primarily through social networks and institutional mailing lists, between March 29th and April 5th 2020, applied to primary healthcare professionals in mainland Portugal. Anxiety levels were obtained by applying the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with anxiety levels. Results The study included 696 participants, of which 61.9% were physicians, 84.8% were women and 43.8% presented mild to severe levels of anxiety. Factors such as personal history of previous mental health disorders (p<0.001), having a family member with risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 complications (p=0.012) and being an administrative clerk (p=0.014), showed to relate with higher levels of anxiety. On the other hand, the existence of a workspace contingency plan was associated with lower anxiety levels (p=0.048); nevertheless, 6.9% considered it inadequate, mainly due to inappropriate protective equipment for professionals (79.6%). Conclusion This study highlights a high prevalence of anxiety among health professionals and reinforces the need of, in future pandemics, promoting the adoption of adequate measures to protect their mental health and, ultimately, safeguard the quality of patient care.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Resumo Pseudomonas aeruginosa é uma bactéria Gram-negativa não fermentadora de lactose, responsável por causar inúmeras infecções nosocomiais. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o potencial anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa da molécula 2-Cloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrofenil)acetamida (A8). O potencial antibacteriano do A8 foi avaliado a partir da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) e Associação pelo método de checkboard. Os valores de CIM e CBM foram de 512 µg/mL para todas as cepas de P. aeruginosa avaliadas, demonstrando atividade predominantemente bactericida. Além disso, quando o A8 foi associado ao fármaco ceftriaxona, evidenciou-se aditividade e indiferença farmacológica. Nesse sentido, a amida sintética se mostrou interessante, pois demonstra potencial para se tornar um possível candidato a fármaco antimicrobiano.

Abstract Several studies have been conducted evaluating the management of fertilizers as strategies to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt stress, so the objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of ‘Crioula’ guava seedlings under irrigation with water of different salinity levels and fertilized with combinations of nitrogen and potassium. The experiment was performed in a protected (screened) environment using a randomized block design and analyzed in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates, with the plot formed by two plants. The treatments were formed from the combination of the factor electrical conductivity of irrigation water (ECw 0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7 and 3.5 dS m-1), with the factor combinations (C) of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O) doses, being C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O, C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O, C3= 130% N + 100% K2O and C4= 160% N + 125% K2O. The recommended dose of 100% N and K, respectively, was 541.1 mg N dm-3 soil and 798.6 mg K dm-3 soil. The combinations of N and K fertilization corresponding to 70% N + 50% K2O and 100% N + 75% K2O of the recommended doses promoted greater growth of ‘Crioula’ guava seedlings. Water with ECw of 2.1 dS m-1 promotes the formation of quality ‘Crioula’ guava seedlings.

Resumo Diversos estudos vêm sendo desenvolvido avaliando o manejo de adubos como estratégias para mitigar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino, neste sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade de mudas de goiabeira Crioula sob irrigação com águas de diferentes níveis salinos e adubadas com combinações de nitrogênio e potássio. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido (telado) utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados e analisados em esquema fatorial 5 × 4, com quatro repetições, com a parcela formada por duas plantas. Os tratamentos foram formados pela combinação do fator condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa), com valores de 0,3; 1,1; 1,9; 2,7 e 3,5 dS m-1; e o fator combinações (C) de doses de nitrogênio (N) e potássio (K2O), sendo C1 = 70% N + 50% K2O; C2 = 100% N + 75% K2O; C3= 130% N + 100% K2O e C4= 160% N + 125% K2O. A dose recomendada de 100% de N e K, respectivamente, foi de 541,1 e 798,6 mg de K dm-3 de solo. As combinações de adubação nitrogenada e potássica de 70% N + 50% K2O e 100% N + 75% K2O, em relação às doses recomendadas, resultaram em um maior crescimento de mudas de goiabeira Crioula. Água com CEa média de 2,1 dS m-1 foi capaz de promove a formação de mudas de qualidade de goiabeira Crioula.

Abstract Titanium dioxide is a widely studied material with well-known applications for anatase and rutile phases. Moreover, brookite, another polymorph, which is more difficult to obtain, has caught scientific community interest, especially for photocatalysis applications. Among many methodologies for TiO2 synthesis, the hydrothermal method stands out, with the possibility of controlling different parameters that lead to a specific phase composition, allowing selective polymorphic obtainment. This method was used to synthesize TiO2 with different anatase/brookite ratios, by the use of different synthesis conditions as pH of the suspension, sodium salt concentration, and temperature, resulting in anatase-brookite photocatalyst with brookite composition ranging from 0 to 35%. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, particle size measurement, and scanning electron microscopy. Photocatalysts with the highest brookite amount showed the best photocatalytic results for Remazol golden yellow (RNL) dye decolorization. Moreover, the short-range disorder also played an important role in photocatalytic behavior.

Resumo Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar o comportamento à flexão de vigas híbridas de GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer - polímero reforçado com fibra de vidro) e concreto para aplicação em dormentes ferroviários. Pretendeu-se obter dormentes com adequada resistência mecânica, não susceptíveis à corrosão, duráveis e mais leves que os dormentes em concreto protendido. Foram estudados perfis pultrudados de fibra de vidro e resina de poliéster, preenchidos com concreto de alta resistência e fibras de poliolefina nas seguintes proporções em volume: 1% e 2,5%. As vigas tinham 1,06 metros de comprimento e seção transversal de 76 mm x 76 mm x 6,2 mm, correspondendo a um modelo reduzido em escala 1 : 2,64 de um dormente de 2,80 metros de comprimento. Nos ensaios de flexão, a carga foi aplicada no centro do dormente, conforme previsto nas normas ABNT NBR 11709 (2015) e AREMA (2016). Durante os ensaios foram medidas a carga aplicada, a flecha e as deformações longitudinais de tração e compressão no centro do vão. Foi analisada a influência da adição de fibras na capacidade resistente, no modo de ruptura e no módulo de elasticidade à flexão das vigas híbridas. Por fim, o desempenho do dormente híbrido foi comparado ao do dormente monobloco em concreto protendido. Os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios, indicando que o dormente híbrido proposto é uma alternativa viável construtivamente e tecnicamente.

Abstract This paper aims to present the flexural behavior of hybrid GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer) concrete beams as sleepers to railway application. It was tried to obtain sleepers with adequate mechanical resistance, not susceptible to corrosion, durable and lighter than the sleepers in prestressed concrete. Pultruded fiberglass and polyester resin profiles were filled with high strength concrete and polyolefin fiber in the following proportions by volume: 1% and 2.5%. The beams were 1.06 meters long and had a 76 mm x 76 mm x 6 mm cross section, corresponding to a reduced model in a 1: 2.64 scale of a 2.80 meters long sleeper. In the bending tests, the load was applied at the center of the sleeper, as provided in the Brazilian standard NBR 11709 (2015) and American standard AREMA (2016). During the tests the applied load, the vertical deflection and the longitudinal tensile and compression deformations were measured in the center of the span. The influence of fiber addition on the strength, rupture mode and flexural modulus of elasticity of the hybrid beams was analyzed. Finally, the hybrid sleeper performance was compared to that of the prestressed concrete monoblock sleeper. The results obtained were satisfactory, indicating that the proposed hybrid sleeper is a constructively and technically feasible alternative.

Phenol can be degraded to almost 100 % within a few minutes via Fenton and photo-Fenton processes. Its degradation and the ratio of initial molar concentrations of oxidant and catalyst increase in inverse senses, and a ratio of 38.4 was optimal for aqueous solutions contaminated with 20 ppm of phenol. In addition to this, the use of ultraviolet-A light enhanced degradation when compared to shorter wavelengths.

Fenol puede ser degradado a casi 100 % en pocos minutos vía los procesos Fenton y foto- Fenton. Su degradación y la relación entre las concentraciones molares iniciales de oxidante y catalizador utilizadas aumentan en sentidos inversos, y una relación de 38,4 fue óptima para soluciones acuosas contaminadas con 20 ppm de fenol. Asimismo, el uso de luz ultravioleta del tipo A aumentó la degradación comparado a menores longitudes de onda.

Resumo Foram analisados os nematóides em Iguana iguana, um grande lagarto Iguanidae que possui ampla distribuição pelas Américas. Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar os helmintos associados ao lagarto I. iguana e seus índices parasitológicos (prevalência e intensidade média de infecção). Foram examinados 18 espécimes (oito machos e 10 fêmeas). A prevalência total foi de 66,6% (12/18), nos machos foi de 75% (6/8) e nas fêmeas 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana foi identificado como um novo hospedeiro para Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp., e Subulura sp. Este registro contribui para o conhecimento da diversidade de helmintos associados a este hospedeiro.

Abstract Nematodes were analyzed in Iguana iguana, a large lizard Iguanidae that is widely distributed throughout the Americas. The aims of the study were investigate the helminths associated with the lizard, I. iguana in semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil and analyze the parasitological indices (prevalence, and mean intensity of infection). A total of 18 specimens of I. iguana were examined (8 males and 10 females). The overall prevalence of infection was 66.6% (12/18), while in males, it was 75% (6/8) and in females, 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana was identified as a new host for Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp. and Subulura sp. This registered contributes to the knowledge of helminth diversity associated with this host.

Resumo O lagarto Salvator merianae é uma espécie bem distribuída na América do Sul, ocorrendo do sul da Amazônia até o leste dos Andes e norte da Patagônia. Estudos com a fauna parasitária desse lagarto revelaram que ele hospeda helmintos em vários biomas brasileiros. O presente trabalho fornece novo dado parasitológico sobre nematoda gastrointestinal associado ao lagarto S. merianae. Dezesseis amostras foram analisadas a partir de nove localidades diferentes na região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil. Foram identificadas cinco espécies de nematóide. Oswaldofilaria petersi foi registrado pela primeira vez parasitando S. merianae, aumentando assim o conhecimento da fauna de parasitas que infectam grandes lagartos neotropicais.

Abstract The lizard Salvator merianae is a widely distributed species in South America, occurring from southern Amazonia to the eastern Andes and northern Patagonia. Studies on the parasitic fauna of this lizard have revealed that it is a host for helminths in various Brazilian biomes. The present work provides new parasitological data on the gastrointestinal nematodes associated with the lizard S. merianae. Sixteen specimens were analyzed from nine different locations in a semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil. Five species of nematodes were identified. Oswaldofilaria petersi was first recorded as a parasite of the S. merianae, thus increasing the knowledge of the fauna of parasites that infect large Neotropical lizards.

Molecular modeling is growing as a research tool in Chemical Engineering studies, as can be seen by a simple research on the latest publications in the field. Molecular investigations retrieve information on properties often accessible only by expensive and time-consuming experimental techniques, such as those involved in the study of radical-based chain reactions. In this work, different quantum chemical techniques were used to study phenol oxidation by hydroxyl radicals in Advanced Oxidation Processes used for wastewater treatment. The results obtained by applying a DFT-based model showed good agreement with experimental values available, as well as qualitative insights into the mechanism of the overall reaction chain. Solvation models were also tried, but were found to be limited for this reaction system within the considered theoretical level without further parameterization.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in the world. Although PSA utilization as a serum marker has improved prostate cancer detection it still presents some limitations, mainly regarding its specificity. The expression of this marker, along with the detection of PCA3 mRNA in urine samples, has been suggested as a new approach for PCa detection. The goal of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of the urinary detection of PCA3 mRNA and PSA mRNA without performing the somewhat embarrassing prostate massage. It was also intended to optimize and implement a methodological protocol for this kind of sampling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine samples from 57 patients with suspected prostate disease were collected, without undergoing prostate massage. Increased serum PSA levels were confirmed by medical records review. RNA was extracted by different methods and a preamplification step was included in order to improve gene detection by Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: An increase in RNA concentration with the use of TriPure Isolation Reagent. Despite this optimization, only 15.8% of the cases showed expression of PSA mRNA and only 3.8% of prostate cancer patients presented detectable levels of PCA3 mRNA. The use of a preamplification step revealed no improvement in the results obtained. CONCLUSION: This work confirms that prostate massage is important before urine collection for gene expression analysis. Since PSA and PCA3 are prostate specific, it is necessary to promote the passage of cells from prostate to urinary tract, in order to detect these genetic markers in urine samples.

The rough grind machine operation in metallic material produce a sub product with the followings components such as: metallic residue, small parts come from the resin grinds, diatomaceous earth material (filter material) and soluble oil in water for tools cooling. According [HU1UH] from ABNT, this sub product is toxic, not inert material, aggress the environment with pollution in the currency water and contaminate the ground when incorrectly go to the municipal solid waste. The final destination of this sub product, is the incineration, in the cements company, being the incorporated the sub product to the cement, during your production. With the qualitative result using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coupled to the dispersive energy spectroscopy (EDS), two experiments were made with objective to separate the magnetic material of the non-magnetic material, using a permanent magnet. We conclude that the magnetic material can be used by powder metallurgy process in production of pieces.

Introdução: O cancro colo-rectal (CCR), em não fumadores, é o mais frequente, em ambos os sexos, nos Estados Unidos da América (EUA), Austrália, Nova Zelândia, Europa Ocidental. Em Portugal o CCR constitui actualmente à 1ª causa de morte por tumor maligno. Os sintomas iniciais mais frequentes são as rectorragias e alterações do trânsito intestinal. A taxa de sobrevida aos 5 anos, se o diagnóstico for estabelecido em fase inicial, pode ser superior a 90%. Neste sentido tem grande importância o rastreio, o qual deve assentar numa estratificação do risco. Uma vez que a quase totalidade dos cancros colo-rectais (95%) têm origem no adenoma - lesão precursora -, a exérese dos pólipos adenomatosos reduz o CCR em cerca de 76% a 90% dos casos. A colonoscopia desempenha pois um papel fundamental no diagnóstico dos pólipos e na sua exérese por polipectomia. Esta técnica tem contudo limitações e complicações, pelo que têm sido propostos novos métodos de diagnóstico e terapêutica. É importante o seguimento dos doentes com pólipos de acordo com “guidelines” relativamente consensuais. Métodos: Entre Junho de 2004 e Outubro de 2008 foram-nos referenciados 1114 casos para colonoscopia. Após preparação cólica adequada, realizamos a colonoscopia total (cego visualizado em 95% dos casos) sob analgesia com propofol. Resultados: Foram detectados pólipos em 32,3% dos casos e realizadas 205 polipectomias. Cerca de 54% dos pólipos eram adenomatosos. Displasia de alto grau foi diagnosticada em 5 casos e adenocarcinoma em 3 casos. O tratamento destes casos requer colaboração estreita com a cirurgia. Conclusão: O cancro colo-rectal constitui um importante problema de Saúde Pública. A colonoscopia é considerado o método “gold standard” no rastreio do cancro colo-rectal. Permite identificar a lesão pré-maligna - adenoma - e a sua exérese, em tempo útil, embora o nosso conhecimento sobre a biologia dos pólipos e do cancro colo-rectal seja ainda limitado. O conjunto dos resultados de diferentes autores mostra a importância da colonoscopia com polipectomia na prevenção do cancro colo-rectal.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) in non-smoking patients of both genders is the most frequent in USA, Australia, New Zeland and Western Europe. In Portugal the CRC is the leading cause of death from malignant tumor.The most common initial symptoms are rectal hemorrhage and changes in the intestinal transit. The survival rate within the first five years can be superior to 90%, providing the diagnosis is made at an early stage. Therefore, screening is very important and should be based on risk grading. Since most CRC (95%) originate from adenoma - precursor lesion-, removing the adenomatous polyps reduces the cases of CRC in 76% to 96%. Consequently, colonoscopy plays an important role in polyps diagnosis and their removal by polypectomy. However, this tecnique has got some restrictions and complications, wich has led to new diagnosis and therapeutic methods. It is importantto follow the patients with polyps according to quite consensual guidelines. Methods: Between June 2004 and October 2008 1114 cases for colonoscopy were referred to us. After appropriate preparation, we have done the total colonoscopy (observed cecum in 95% of the cases), under anesthesia with propofol. Results: Polyps were diagnosed in 32.3% of the cases and 205 polypectomies were done. Approximately 54% of the polyps were adenomatous. High-grade dysplasia was diagnosed in 5 cases and adenocarcinoma in 3 cases. The treatment of these cases requires collaboration with surgery. Conclusions: The CRC is a serious public health problem. Colonoscopy is considered to be the gold standard method in screening the CRC. It provides the opportunity to detect the pre-malignant lesion - adenoma- and its removal in good time, in spite of the limits of our knowledge about the biology of the polyps and of the CRC. The results by different authors reveals the importance of the colonoscopy with polypectomy in CRC prevention.

The solar driven photo-Fenton process for treating water containing phenol as a contaminant has been evaluated by means of pilot-scale experiments with a parabolic trough solar reactor (PTR). The effects of Fe(II) (0.04-1.0 mmol L-1), H2O2 (7-270 mmol L-1), initial phenol concentration (100 and 500 mg C L-1), solar radiation, and operation mode (batch and fed-batch) on the process efficiency were investigated. More than 90% of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was removed within 3 hours of irradiation or less, a performance equivalent to that of artificially-irradiated reactors, indicating that solar light can be used either as an effective complementary or as an alternative source of photons for the photo-Fenton degradation process. A non-linear multivariable model based on a neural network was fit to the experimental results of batch-mode experiments in order to evaluate the relative importance of the process variables considered on the DOC removal over the reaction time. This included solar radiation, which is not a controlled variable. The observed behavior of the system in batch-mode was compared with fed-batch experiments carried out under similar conditions. The main contribution of the study consists of the results from experiments under different conditions and the discussion of the system behavior. Both constitute important information for the design and scale-up of solar radiation-based photodegradation processes.

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo descrever a histologia do mesêntero, cecos gástricos e válvula pilórica de Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), por meio da microscopia de luz, utilizando-se colorações especiais (Tricrômico de Gomori e P.A.S. - Ácido periódico de Schiff) e de rotina (Hematoxilina-Eosina). Os insetos foram obtidos da criação existente no Laboratório de Entomologia, do Departamento de Biologia, da UFRPE. O material coletado foi fixado em Boüin alcoólico e processado para inclusão em "paralast". Os resultados mostraram que a parede do mesêntero é constituída por duas camadas de músculo estriado: uma interna (circular) e outra externa (longitudinal), com a presença de tecido conjuntivo entre as fibras musculares. O epitélio é do tipo simples, constituído por dois tipos de células: células regenerativas e células colunares altas. Os cecos gástricos também apresentam as camadas de músculo semelhantes às observadas no mesêntero. O tecido epitelial é do tipo simples colunar projetando-se para a luz do órgão, formando vilosidades. A válvula pilórica é constituída por tecido muscular estriado, recoberto por tecido epitelial.

The present research describes the histology of the midgut, gastric caeca, and pyloric valve of Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813), (Orthopetera: Romaleidae). We used light microscopy, staining (Gomori's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)), and a routine histological analysis method (hematoxilin-eosin). The insects were obtained from, and also bred in, the Laboratory of Entomology, Department of Biology, of the Rural Federal University of Pernambuco (UFRPE). The collected material was fixed in alcoholic Boüin and embedded in paraplast. The results demonstrated that the midgut wall is composed of an inner epithelial layer and two outer layers of striate muscles: one internal (circular) and the other external (longitudinal), with connective tissue between the muscle fibers. The epithelium is single-layered, with two cell types: regenerative and elongated columnar. The gastric caeca presents muscle layers similar to those of the midgut. Simple columnar epithelium lines the gastric caeca, which presents villi and projects towards the lumen. The pyloric valve is of striate muscle tissue, covered by a single epithelial-cell layer.